As the new Mayor for the City of Ryde, I would like to share my vision for the coming year. My focus will be on improving the sporting amenities for families, helping to building an energetic city made up of connected neighbourhoods and ensuring the voice of the people is heard.

Several visionary projects are set to usher in a new era for our city. The implementation of our current Management Plan that includes a record $57 million Capital Works program will go a long way to address the decline of a large section of our ageing $2 billion worth of infrastructure. The upgrading of our shopping centres including Putney, Five Ways, Cox’s Road, West Ryde, Top Ryde City, Gladesville, Meadowbank and Eastwood, are all progressing well. When completed, these centres will provide our residents with a wide range of shopping experiences, new shops, offices, car parking, jobs and more investment. If you would like to see in more detail what our plans are, go to the Council website at www.ryde.nsw.gov.au

I am keen to ensure that the City of Ryde develops a rich sporting and creative life, and that Council develops closer ties with the community through consultation. We are working on a set of initiatives that will ensure that your voice is heard, and that the decisions we make to improve the built and natural environment in the city are part of a shared vision.

I would like to congratulate Clr Sarkis Yedelian on his appointment to the office of Deputy Mayor. We have worked well together over the past four years and I look forward to a successful partnership with him.

I would also like to thank my fellow Councillors for their support. Our pledge is to work as a unified team for the betterment of our community and I am confident that we will make real progress in all our endeavours.

Finally, I will take this opportunity to extend a very warm invitation to everyone in our community to come along to our annual Granny Smith Festival at Eastwood on Saturday 18 October, kicking off with the Grand Street Parade at 10am. This is one of my favourite celebrations as it showcases our city in all its diversity and exuberance. It is guaranteed to be a great day for the family. For all those who are young or young at heart, come along, say hullo and join in the fun and celebration.